I like what is going on in the Studio this year! Work in my classroom can be broken down into three main categories, which I’ve given quite a bit of thought to defining and teaching over the first quarter. I like the mix of structure and choice I’ve established. This is what it looks like.
Students start by deciding what is next. What do they want to make, explore, learn, or do? Deciding involves envisioning and getting comfortable with the sort of thinking it calls for, which means developing the habit of collecting ideas, which I teach in short, weekly lessons. Providing more structured, self-paced options is very helpful for some, especially those who want to develop skills or learn how to use new media. I provide this through Explorations that learners can select from, if and when they choose. A key part of deciding what is next is setting goals, a challenge that asks students to think about what they want to accomplish and put it into words.
Next, students make a plan for work. They choose materials and processes. They refine their ideas through planning activities like researching, sketching, or learning new processes or techniques. I ask them to record their ideas, plans, and goals with a planning form that helps keep them on track and helps me provide everyone with the support they need.
And then they create. Creating could look like making a formal project they’ve envisioned and planned themselves, working through technique practice and application in an Exploration they’ve selected, and/ or experimenting with media they are familiar with to learn something new on their own. It could also be making work in their style or a style they are in the process of developing or even collaborating to make something bigger than they could on their own.